Longtime Dirt Promoter, Roger Slack, Takes the Reins at EldoraRossburg, Oh
If you aren't familiar with the name Roger Slack, here's what you need to know: Slack was born into racing, growing up around Cayuga Speedway in Canada, which his family owned. He spent 11 years at Charlotte Motor Speedway, beginning as an intern under the tutelage of the one-and-only Humpy Wheeler before rising to the Vice President level. As the promoter for The Dirt Track at the speedway in 2007, Slack won the National Sprint Car Promoter of the Year award. After that he moved on to the World of Outlaws as a series promoter. And that's why it's a big deal that Eldora Speedway owner Tony Stewart hired Slack as the track's new Promoter and General Manager. One of the most talented dirt track promoters joining forces with what's probably the world's most famous dirt track will probably help the sport as a whole. "It is an honor that Tony has asked me to join the Eldora family," Slack says of his job change. "I am excited to begin building on his vision of the future while maintaining the heritage and tradition of the world's most famous short-track. The Eldora staff is second to none, and I cannot wait to start implementing all of our collective ideas and making the experience even more entertaining and fan friendly."

2/7

Circle Track Radio's Own Dennis Pittsenbarger wins Rivercity Season FinaleGrand Forks, ND
The 2011 Regular Season Finale at Rivercity Speedway saw a packed house and fans poured in searching for an adrenaline rush as the WRS Western Racing Series highlighted the night's action. The WRS Late Models took the green for their 20-lap main with the No. 7 of Jason Wesolowski jumping to the race lead as the battle for second went three wide with the No. 17 of Bob Wescott, No. 16 Mike Christopherson, and Circle Track Radio's Dennis Pittsenbarger in the FAB-TEK No. 94 taking the second place position. Battling into the final laps, the No. 16 would lose a driveline, forcing the caution and leaving Wescott and Pittsenbarger to battle for the win. Back to the green and the battle on the track for position was fierce with the No. 17 going after the No. 94. To the final lap, Westcott was in hot pursuit of the No. 94, but Pittsenbarger would not be denied the feature win. Make sure to tune in to Circle Track Radio every Saturday from 1-3 p.m. PST/4-6 p.m. EST on the ERN Network. For more information go to ernlive.com.

3/7

Southern National Raceway Sells for 650 ThousandKenly, NC
Essentially closed since 2009, Southern National Speedway may soon enjoy a second life. The 4/10-mile asphalt track in central North Carolina was put up for auction in October and purchased by Mr. Michael Diaz for $650,000. The bidding originally opened at $2 million but there were no takers. Bidding didn't start until the starting price was dropped to $400,000 and Diaz eventually won out. Diaz plans to reopen Southern National in the spring of 2012 but as this went to press no concrete plans for scheduling had been made. The track affectionately known as "Kenly" is a gem, however, and hopefully racers and fans alike will be able to enjoy the facility again soon. Built in the early '90s, the track was designed by Francis Tuttle, the same man who played a role in the design of Talladega and Texas Speedways. This Saturday night short track is a well-built, modern facility that even includes sky boxes among its fan amenities.

4/7

Inaugural Charlotte Racers Expo to Help Racers on East CoastCharlotte, NC
For the first time in over a decade, Charlotte, North Carolina, the hub for all stock car racing, will have a trade show of its own. Called the Charlotte Racers Expo, the event will feature a two-day trade show accompanied by a racers auction for anyone with any racing equipment they wish to sell and even a sponsorship/marketing seminar. It's still early, but the show appears to be a success. Expo president Larry McDaniels says all the booths sold out months in advance. Plus, several of the participating manufacturers have committed to offer show specials on everything from safety components to complete chassis. "It's really amazing how fast we sold all of our booths for this show," McDaniels says. "The industry has people who really want to be here. It's great for racers to attend, too. Not only will short trackers be on hand, but we also know a number of team members from major NASCAR teams will be attending as well."
The Charlotte Racers Expo will open to the general public on Friday, January 27. A detailed schedule is available online at charlotteracersexpo.com. Tickets for the event are $10 per day with $5 coupons available from various speed shops, chassis manufacturers, and racing parts retailers across the region. Fans can also "like" the Charlotte Racers Expo on Facebook for insider information, contests, and discounts.

5/7

Racing Community Bands Together for Wiscasset RacewayWiscasset, Me
Like many other tracks across the country, Wiscasset Raceway in Maine, has had to lock the gates due to the poor economy. The track is currently for sale, but racers and race fans are holding out hope that the track can eventually reopen. But a wrench was thrown in the works when the town began considering a change in its noise ordinances due to the track's inactivity. "There was a concern that if we didn't have a race there this year the town noise ordinances could be changed, making it impossible for any prospective buyer to open it again as a racetrack," says Tony True, who has raced at the track since it first opened in 1969. As a solution, the racing community decided to open the track known as "Maine's Center of Speed" for a weekend to keep the racing tradition alive. The group is made up completely of volunteers, and charged just $5 per head both for the grandstands and the pits. The "Save Wiscasset Raceway" event was held in late October and drew more than 150 cars. There is no word yet whether a buyer will be found for Wiscasset that will allow the track to reopen in 2012, but hopefully, the outpouring of support will have a positive effect.

6/7

Toby Kruse Named General Manager of Knoxville RacewayKnoxville, Ia
Toby Kruse has been named Knoxville Raceway's new General Manager. Kruse has some big shoes to fill because he's taking over for the highly regarded Ralph Capitani, who served as the track's longtime promoter. Toby Kruse brings a wealth of experience to the Knoxville Raceway, including directing events at The Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, IMCA Late Model series events, and events at the Buena Vista and Marshalltown Speedways. Kruse has also been honored as a Racing Promotion Monthly's Regional Promoter of the Year. We'll look to spot Kruse's fingerprints on the track beginning with the 52nd Knoxville Nationals August 8-11, 2012.